Removing yourself from your comfort zone is by no means a simple step. It's a leap of faith, especially for those like me who are incredibly comfortable with familiarity.
But what's beyond your comfort zone is a lifetime of adventure. Different cultures, new languages, diverse people, breathtaking sights - they're all waiting for you. Here are a few reasons why you should break free of your bubble and explore past your familiar boundaries.
1. You're not getting any younger
Unfortunately. Today, right now, is the youngest you will be for the rest of your life. While that statement alone might scare some, it ignites a flame in others. It opens their eyes to say, "what are we waiting for?" And what are you waiting for? Get out there and see the world while you can! Instead of merely dreaming of taking a trip, book your flight and kickstart your journey! Take advantage of the present as that's all we're guaranteed.
2. Traveling enhances personal development
It's true, traveling allows you to grow. Well, not literally, but immersing yourself into new settings certainly teaches you a lot about yourself. I learned a lot about my patience, priorities, time-management, and responsibility when I spent a semester in Europe. I became more aware of my personal likes and dislikes, as well as, areas that I need to improve upon, like my confidence and vulnerability. Most importantly, traveling allows you to learn how independent you are, as well as, how to become better at going solo if you're not so comfortable with solitude.
3. Make new friends, meet new people
I'm not saying that your current friends aren't cool, I bet they're the bee's knees. What I am saying, though, is that there are over 7.5 billion people in the world. Why limit yourself to a small fraction of the population when there are tons of cool humans to meet! Connecting with new people increases your network, widens your perspective, and has been proven to improve your mental health! Also, hello, visiting friends who live in different cities is all the more reason for a weekend getaway!
4. You'll gain a global outlook
Your perspective on life will naturally shift each time you enter a new chapter. You will shift from focusing on yourself to focusing on others as you age and add to your family. Similarly, you will shift from an individualistic view to a global one once you broaden your horizons. Your travels will show you how people in other walks of life greet one another, interact socially, do business, educate themselves, and go about daily tasks different from the way you do. Upon return to reality, you can implement aspects from other cultures that inspired you into your own lifestyle.
5. Traveling improves social skills
Now, I'm not saying you'll take a vacation to a different country and return a social butterfly. It doesn't quite work like that. However, taking trips definitely improves your communication skills in the long term. Whether it be going on an exotic excursion or bar hopping to the best local pubs, you will be challenged to interact with people from different backgrounds, ages, or paths of life. This will improve your social skills and allow you to be able to hold conversations with anyone you come in contact with! I found this lesson to ring true especially in situations where I did not understand the other party's language. The interaction taught me more about the importance of reading body language and expression aside from understanding their literal words.
6. Adventures become stories
And stories make you interesting, my friend. When you're at a party and someone asks you about the craziest, most impulsive act you've ever taken, you're going to reflect on the time you went skydiving over Interlaken free-falling into the Swiss Alps. At a job interview, your potential employer will throw the "tell me about a time you were faced with a challenge" question at you. You'll relax with ease because you'll share with them the time you not only crossed a language barrier, but also utilized various tools of communication in order to connect with the other party. And years from now, when I'm in my thirties with a family and priorities that will temporarily land lock me (like caring for my children, of course), I'll have these stories and memories to reflect on.
Whether it be stepping outside the city limit or flying to a different time zone, each travel you take will teach you a little more about yourself and a whole lot more about life. So, what are you waiting for? Book an adventure and start packing!
Bon Voyage!
